NHS tech chief dismisses concerns over loss of statutory power to protect patient data


An outgoing NHS tech chief has defended the decision to merge his organization with a UK government-run unit, arguably diluting the statuary protection of patient data.

Simon Bolton, interim chief executive of the soon-to-be-defunct NHS Digital, said the merger of the organization with NHS England, a non-departmental government body, was necessary to “provide real clarity of leadership to the whole system, particularly around technology.”

In March, the former chairman of NHS Digital said the merger was a “grave error” in terms of its statutory power to defend patient rights.

Read more…
Source: The Register